PERRY COUNTY – June 14 is World Blood Donor Day – a day set aside to celebrate those who donate blood to help save lives without expecting anything in return. It is also a day to raise awareness about how a safe and stable supply of blood products is vital for hospitals and patients.
This year, World Blood Donor Day is focused on the need for more people all over the world to help save lives by volunteering to donate blood regularly. The slogan “More blood. More life.” was chosen to reinforce the important contribution that people everywhere can make by donating blood.
The American Red Cross reminds people that a safe and secure supply of blood products is a universal necessities. Blood can be used for trauma victims, surgery and transplant patients, premature babies, when there are complications during childbirth, and for patients receiving treatment for cancer or other diseases.
Local upcoming blood donations are set for 1 to 6 p.m. June 3 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Tell City; from 8 a.m. to noon June 5 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Rockport and from 3 to 7 p.m. June 13 at Spencer County 4-H Youth and Community Center in Chrisney.
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission), weigh at least 110 pounds and are generally in good health may be eligible to donate blood. High-school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
For more information about World Blood Donor Day, visit www.wbdd.org.